Age-at-death estimation in Caucasian females from the morphological analysis of the sternal end of the fourth rib

The morphology evaluation of the sternal end of the fourth rib through the ??can’s “phases method” is considered one of the most reliable method for age-at-death estimation of corpses of unknown identity. This study aims to develop a component model for age estimation alternative to ??can’s method. A numerical score, ranging from 3 to 9, was assigned based on the morphology of surface (S), antero/posterior walls (W) and articular margins (M) of the sternal end of the fourth rib in 71 white female corpse. For each component a regression formula was determined. The best correlation between end rib morphology and age-at-death was obtained through the formula of multiple regression with two independent variables (articular surface and antero/posterior walls): Age (years) = 6.37(S) + 5.33(W) ? 17.15 ± 3.3.